“I have known Kiko for many years and he deserves this great opportunity more than anyone else.

“I usually say that we have a brotherhood’s relationship, so we always wish the best for each other.

“Kiko has been tracking a very serious and talented career.

“I take to say this is also an amazing achievement for Brazilian metal.

“The beginning of this new epic stage is something we all should celebrate. It will be great for ANGRA and for all Brazilian bands, since it draws attention and highlights the talent of Brazilian musicians in general.

“Regarding the works with ANGRA, I believe he will comply with all activities that he has already committed to and he will always be part of our family. He will definitively not be able to turn his back for something he helped build with so much effort. I’m sure we will still make a lot together, either in or out of ANGRA.

Dave Mustaine announced the new guitarist for Megadeth today and as suspected, it’s Kiko!!

“I first met Kiko around 8 years ago for a cover shoot for Burrn! magazine. I had no idea who he was, other than the fact he was tremendously talented and that the staff from Burrn! held him in high regard. Since then I’ve come to see what a guitar virtuoso he is, and I’m deeply encouraged by his depth and talent. Very few Megadeth alumni have had the same feel and ability as Kiko. As Frank Sinatra says, “the best is yet to come!” -Dave Mustaine”

Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro has been wowing rock fans with his fleet fingered fretwork, and his talents are showcased front and center on the recently-released DVD, ‘The White Balance.’ Featuring special guest performers, including Virgil Donati (Planet X, Allan Holdsworth) on drums, the DVD was filmed on June 14, 2013 at the Auditorio Ibirapuera, in São Paulo, Brazil, and
incorporates all three phases of Kiko’s preferred styles – metal, progressive and Brazilian fusion music.

South America has provided quite a few important historical moments in rock n’ roll over the years. Case in point, Kiss performing their final concert in make-up before unmasking in 1983, Queen headlining the first-ever Rock in Rio Festival in 1985, the continent spawning one of the world’s most renowned metal bands, Sepultura, etc. And South America is also home to prog metal vets Angra, who have steadily issued challenging yet heavy albums on a regular basis since 1993.

And now comes an expanded edition of the fourth solo album overall from the band’s leader, guitarist Kiko Loureiro – ‘Sounds of Innocence’ – which drops Tuesday, June 18th. iTunes will release a special package, containing the full album and track by track instructional videos – the first time this feature has ever been included on an iTunes album release. Additionally, a Kiko Spotify app “Soundrop” will be issued on the same release date. “‘Sounds of Innocence’ brings a balanced mix of Latin grooves with traditional shredding,” explains Kiko. “It comes at a more mature point of my career but still has first time excitement to it.”

An interview with Kiko Loureiro

Conducted by Robert Williams

Kiko Loureiro has just finished playing some dates in his home country of Brazil in support of last year’s “Sounds Of Innocence” his fourth solo effort to date. Besides all of the current activity surrounding his current solo work, Kiko is also excited to make another record with Brazilian power metal legends Angra. Following the departure of vocalist Edu Falaschi after the “Aqua” album released in 2010, the band has struggled to find a legitimate replacement for their longtime singer. Kiko recalls performing with Rhapsody Of Fire vocalist Fabio Leone aboard the recent 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise and what the future may hold in terms of the next singer for Angra. The gifted metal guitarist also shared his early musical influences and his advice to aspiring players… Read the rest of this entry »

ANGRA guitarist Kiko Loureiro has just released his fourth solo album entitled Sounds Of Innocence featuring the drummer Virgil Donati (PLANET X, DEREK SHERINIAN BAND) and the bassist Felipe Andreoli (Angra). The record was produced by Kiko Loureiro, mixed by Dennis Ward (UNISONIC, PINK CREAM 69) and mastered by Jürgen Lusky.

Kiko Loureiro, Felipe Andreoli and Marcelo Moreira (drummer invited for the concerts) will be in Japan next week (July 12 and 14) to perform the songs from the new album and then will leave to Latin America for more gigs.KIKO LOUREIRO – Sounds Of Innocence tracklist:
‘Awakening Prelude’
‘Gray Stone Gateway’
‘Conflicted’
‘Reflective’
‘El Guajiro’
‘Ray Of Life’
‘The Hymn’
‘Mãe D’Água’
‘Twisted Horizon’
‘A Perfect Rhyme’
‘Conflicted’ (Bonus track – back base)